Sometimes, places that are less touristy serve better food than those popular with tourists. Not only might the price be better, but the taste is more delicious, too. If you see a place packed with locals, then it is a sure bet that it is worth visiting. This time, we are taking you to Tokyo to two non-mainstream food shops visited by food vloggers, Simon and Martina (@eatyourkimchi on Instagram).

Tetchan Yakitori Shop

Yakitori is a type of food quite favoured by the Japanese. It is skewered chicken grilled over a charcoal fire and seasoned with tare sauce. Tetchan is a yakitori shop found in an alleyway in Kichijoji suburb of Western Tokyo. The place looks like it has been bombed into contemporary art. The ground level seems like a victim of a snowstorm, but the ice look is made from left-over acrylic byproduct. The second floor is like it was knitted by someone’s not-so-talented grandma, but it is actually recycled LAN cables, not yarn. Tetchan’s seats fill up fast because not only is the food nice, but also this edgy food shop is definitely a trip!

Amane Taiyaki

Another place in Kichijoji selling a Japanese favourite desert is Amane Taiyaki, where you can buy, yes, you guessed it, taiyaki! Taiyaki is a fish-shaped waffle cake filled with red bean paste, but can also have custard, chocolate, cheese, or sweet potato. Amane Taiyaki has the most delicious taiyaki in Tokyo, so you have to hurry because the stand closes once the taiyaki are sold out.

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